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Donegal’s Michael Murphy is not giving too much away as to how the side will approach the challenge of Dublin in Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC semi-final at Croke Park (3.30pm).

Many pundits have speculated as to what plan Jim McGuinness will come up with to stop the marauding Dubs. Therein lies the intrigue ahead of what should be a fascinating encounter.

For Murphy, however, it’s a case of sticking to the plan that has served Donegal well so far in this year's championship.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, he said: “We concentrate on getting our own house in order, that is getting our levels of fitness and tactical work sorted and then narrowing our focus as the game approaches.

“We stick to our own process as if it were any game. It doesn't matter whether it’s Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final or the first round of the championship against Derry. We won’t change anything.”

"This Dublin side have come through everything that’s been put in front of them with flying colours"

Sunday at Croke Park may tell us a different story, however.

What’s not shrouded in mystery is that Dublin have been most impressive so far this summer – dispatching teams with the minimum of fuss. Murphy, like so many observers, is part of the admiration club.

“This Dublin side have come through everything that’s been put in front of them with flying colours,” he added.

“They played a variety of styles of football in the Leinster championship. They came through with huge winning margins. Against Monaghan the last day, they played a more defensive style at the start of the game. Any questions that have been asked of this Dublin team they’ve ultimately answered them quite emphatically. They’ve got serious scoring power all over the pitch to show that.”

Donegal ready for the Dubs

The 2013 campaign saw Donegal fall back into a trough after their All-Ireland triumph. This campaign has seen them rise again. Fresh faces in their ranks has no doubt helped to reinvigorate things.

Assessing their championship run to date, Murphy accentuates the positive, though a cautionary note is struck when aspects of their narrow win over Armagh in the quarter-final are reflected on.

“It’s been a good year so far and one that we are relatively happy with," remarked the Glenswilly clubman.

"Winning the Ulster championship was good in terms of bringing on the younger players. It left us in a better place in terms of the whole squad.

“You’re only as good as your last game and we have to look at the performance against Armagh. We weren’t happy with the way we played. The number of wides we kicked and the shot selection was not up to scratch

“That said, all the chat about us not been up to scratch was very disrespectful to Armagh. We knew they were going to be a massive proposition. They proved that on the day and played some fantastic football. We were happy with the character we showed in response to Armagh’s goal."

Watch Donegal v Dublin live on RTÉ Two television from 1445. Also live on RTÉ Player and worldwide on GAAGO.